4 popular speakers with voice assistants

The trend of smart speakers started in 2014 when Amazon released Echo and the Echo Dot to support its virtual assistant technology, Alexa. Over the years, other technology giants created and designed their own range of smart speakers. Each supports a different voice assistant (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and Cortana). You may even find some smart speakers that support more than one assistant. Picking a smart speaker is not tricky if you know what you are looking for. Here are some of the most popular smart speakers that support voice assistants.

  • L Link 20: This smart speaker is known for its usability and convenience. The most interesting part of the Link 20 is that it is waterproof, and it can float! Mobility and portability are basic features of any smart speaker. You need to be able to move the speakers around the house without worrying about low battery or weak Wi-Fi signals. With the Link 20, you do not have to worry about any of this as it comes with indicator lights for battery and Wi-Fi. This speaker uses Google Assistant, and it is compatible with Google apps, Pandora, YouTube Music, and Spotify. The Link 20 is available for around $150.
  • Sonos Beam: This is quite similar to the far more popular Sonos One but more compact than that. It is made to be connected to the TV. It is compatible with three of the major voice assistantsAirPlay, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Moreover, the Sonos Beam can be connected to other Sonos speakers without any hassles. If you want a surround sound effect, you can use this soundbar with two other Sonos speakers. You can even add a Sonos Sub to this to enhance your experience. The price of the Sonos Beam is around $399.
  • Amazon Echo Show: Looking for a smart speaker with a screen? It’s a great idea to pick the Alexa-powered Amazon Echo Show. It is not only better than third-party Alexa speakers but has also been known to beat other Echo speakers when it comes to performance. Its display screen can be quite helpful in checking out your music playlist and looking for the lyrics of your favorite songs on Amazon Music. Additionally, it comes with a video version of Alexa’s daily flash news briefing and lets you play Amazon Prime videos. Moreover, it can make calls and networks with other Echo speakers. It also supports voice and video calls. However, video calls can be only made to another Echo show devices. The price of this device is around $230.
  • Google Home Mini: This is one of the most affordable smart speakers with voice assistant available in the market. If you are not very keen on listening to music, or if you want to jazz up your existing speaker set, get the Google Home Mini. It supports Google Assistant and is compatible with Chromecast as well. You can do a lot of cool stuff with this smart speaker; it will inform you about the weather, the traffic on your usual commuting route, it will answer random questions and play white noise to help you sleep soundly. It is available for around $49.

Tags: voice assistants

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • How to Find an Apartment on a Budget
    Looking for an apartment is a daunting task on any given day. When you are on the hunt for a cheap and affordable house, then finding the right one with the best amenities is even more challenging. It is not easy to take time off and go apartment hunting every single day until you find the right one. Given the time constraints that you have to find apartments, using digital tools can be quite helpful. Let’s say you are looking for apartments under $400, you see a house and discover that it is within your range. However, after you shift, you gradually realize that your home has numerous flaws that make your life difficult. At that point, you not only get frustrated but also lose your sleep over your decision, and then you're off on another round of apartment hunting. External help can surely come to your rescue while searching for a new apartment. Thanks to the advent of technology, there are lots of websites and other tools available online that make your search for a new apartment easier. Most websites have a database-like design, and all that a person has to do is sit and search using keywords like “apartments under $400” or even better, they can use the filter tools to customize their search based on their specifications and needs. First, you need to first the location that you want to search for, and if you have any idea about a particular locality, then starting out there can be highly beneficial. You can pick your budget range so that instead of a specific number or price, you can find a variety of apartments that all fall under $400. When you set a budget range like $400, you cannot expect a posh neighborhood or all the best amenities that a luxury apartment has, but you can surely find a decent place that has good structural integrity and some amenities that can help you live comfortably. The best tip is that you can start your search for apartments under $400 online. Then, as you find the area or locality with the maximum number of homes, you can do a local search and find better options for a lower price. Being strategic in your apartment hunt can be really fruitful, and can also help to cut down on exhaustion.
  • 7 mistakes to avoid while booking a safari
    Going on a safari tour can be exciting, as experiencing the wildlife in its natural habitat is an experience of a lifetime. While all safaris are extremely well organized, thanks to the nature of the tour, it is important that you are also completely prepared for such tours to avoid some rookie mistakes. This can include trivial lapses like wearing the wrong outfit. Let’s look at some common mistakes to avoid when booking a safari: Inadequate research Not all lodges and reserves are the same; each lodge offers a different experience. You should book the most suitable package, depending on the kind of experience you want and the wildlife you want to experience, at a distance, of course. On some safaris, you can walk to reach different regions, but on other tours, you may not be allowed to step out of your jeep. So the package you book should offer the experience you are looking for while meeting your requirements and budget. Most of these tours get booked months or even years in advance, so thorough research and planning is definitely a key step. The packages can be expensive, so make sure you set aside a reasonable budget for the safari tour. Packing the wrong colors Yes, selecting the right colored clothes is important when booking a safari. It has nothing to do with fashion, as when in the wild, you should be able to blend into your surroundings rather than stand out in bright clothes. This can easily startle the animals. You will be asked not to wear blue or black on game drives, as the colors can attract tsetse flies and other insects. Neutral colors like beige or green and their different shades are considered the safest. White may seem like a neutral color in other settings, but not on a safari. So make sure to look up acceptable colors before you leave for the trip. Not looking up the local culture A lot of the reserves and lodges are built on land home to different tribes and other locals, and often you will get the chance to visit villages or interact with them. It is extremely important to be respectful toward not just the local community but even the staff serving you at the lodge. Being in a new place with new people can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with customs unique to you, but the key to an enjoyable trip is to stay open-minded, unbiased, and non-judgemental. Choosing inappropriate clothing When you think of safari, do you think of the hot, dry climate, driving around the reserve in an open jeep? Well, yes, that is true. But the warm day quickly turns into a cold, crisp evening on a safari. So, not packing the right clothes for safari tours can be a rookie mistake. Pack the right clothes for the game drives and social evenings that you may be spending with your tent neighbors or other guests. Take into account the weather and comfort while packing. Adapting to the weather at the destination becomes much easier with the right clothes and gear. Having unrealistic expectations This may be counterintuitive to how you plan your safari trip, but here’s the truth, you are entering a region that is unpredictable. So keeping low expectations when it comes to animal spotting can keep you grounded and avoid disappointment. This is the wild turf, and while expecting wild animals at every turn is natural, it is not guaranteed. Sure, there are some tours that align with the migration schedule of certain animals. You might be able to book lodges where elephants or giraffes can be spotted, but this is largely animal behavior, which can be unpredictable at the end of the day. There are some tricks to spotting the Big Five, so if you follow the tour guide’s instructions, you may be able to witness something magical. Not listening to the guide Guides know the lay of the land at the back of their hand and can easily spot if something is wrong. They have also been trained to conduct tours in the wild—a job carrying a certain amount of risk. Considering the training and experience the guides have, it is only right to listen carefully and follow their instructions on the safari. They have been trained to tackle unpredictable situations, so all you have to do is follow the instructions to a T. Paying attention to the guide can help you ensure you have fun without getting into trouble. Those who do not follow protocols in the wild are not only a threat to themselves but also to the rest of the group. Forgetting sunscreen Seems like a trivial issue, but considering you will be out in an open vehicle, under the scorching sun for a few hours of the day, you should protect your skin. So, apply a lot of sunscreen and also carry the tube with you for reapplication. A bug repellent can also come in handy on a safari tour. You can always speak to the safari staff while booking the package to learn about other important information. Some research can also help you prepare well, remember the essentials, and avoid making mistakes.
  • Key points to consider before renting
    Apartment renting is often a daunting task as there are many points to consider before you can move. The change is exciting but also intimidating for first-timers. It is a good idea to plan in advance to ensure a smooth transition to your very first apartment. Here are some of the important points to consider before you go apartment hunting. Costs The price has to be right, and you have to spend a lot of money before you can even move in and settle in your new apartment. The rent is only one aspect of the total cost, as you must pay a security deposit for the apartment and even a month’s rent in advance. Apart from one-time application fees and agreement costs, you will also have to consider the long-term costs of living in and maintaining apartment rentals. You must decide a budget for utilities, pay for renters insurance, and be prepared to spend at least a third of your income to rent out a decent place. Look for apartment rentals only after you have calculated the total cost of your investment. Available space You might be tempted to bring along everything you own to your new place. However, it is important to take into account the space available to you and ensure the bare essentials before you go all out with the furnishing and decorations. Make a list of what is absolutely necessary and get rid of the other junk. Consider the total space of apartment rentals before investing your time and money in furnishing. You must also consider the fact that apartment rentals are temporary accommodations and soon after the lease expires, you will have to move out again. The less furniture you own, the easier it will be for you to move out. Paperwork Legal ownership requires documentation, and the lease agreement must specify all the terms and conditions with respect to both parties in the contract. Paperwork is also important while finding the apartment, as the owner will require proof of identification, references from work, pay stubs from your current place of employment, and other documents that prove your competence to rent the apartment. Lease agreement The lease agreement will specify everything from the date of transfer of temporary ownership to the lessee to the expiry of the agreed upon tenure. It will also specify whether you can or cannot sublet the apartment. Other points If you plan on taking your furry fuzzy little friend to the new apartment, confirm with the landlord to ensure that pets are allowed.
  • Top 4 SUVs for families
    An SUV, or sports utility vehicle, is an automobile that combines the features of a passenger and off-roading vehicle. Over the past few years, small-size, mid-size, and crossover SUVs have gained immense popularity, accounting for 45.9% of the world’s passenger car market. With top-notch safety features and spacious interiors, SUVs make for the perfect family cars. If you are looking for one, here are a few top-performing SUVs for families: Are SUVs ideal family cars? SUV is a loose term that covers a broad range of vehicles with a four-wheel drive system. Even within SUVs, crossovers are a distinct type characterized as SUVs with a unibody construction (as with passenger cars). SUVs are ideal vehicles for families, both big and small, owing to multiple features; for instance, the latest mid-size and full-size SUVs provide ample cargo space, a third-row seating arrangement, and ample leg room. This, when paired with easy access, all-wheel drive, and smooth automatic transmission, makes for the perfect family vehicle. While bigger SUVs are ideal for larger families, compact SUV models are among the top choices for nuclear families. Key features to consider Now that you know the different types of SUVs and why they are convenient for families of all sizes, the next step is to shortlist the best vehicle based on your requirements. It is important to consider key aspects of the vehicle that would make your life easier. The criteria, of course, vary for every family depending on its size and specific requirements. However, some key factors to consider would be the cabin and cargo space, which is vital for booster and child seats. This space can be even better utilized with third-row seating arrangements, especially when it comes to big or growing families. Apart from this feature, key factors to consider include engine performance, cargo volume, safety ratings, pricing, and fuel economy of the SUV. Top SUVs for families Based on the abovementioned key factors, here are the top-performing SUVs for families you can find today:  Honda CR-V and CR-V Hybrid: Offering a flexible range of engines, including gasoline, diesel, and an electronic hybrid, Honda CR-V is a powerhouse that gives great mileage. Moreover, CR-V variants come with a choice of manual and automatic transmission. This 4-cylinder car, which can comfortably seat five people, has an all-wheel drive system that eases overall handling. The left camera helps in keeping an eye on the lane, while the instrument cluster facilitates ease of control. First launched in the mid-1990s, the CR-V has a high safety score, making it one of Honda’s best-selling vehicles.  Kia Sportage and Sportage Hyrbid. A reliable vehicle, the Kia Sportage makes for a great pick when it comes to family SUVs. First, it has a lot of space with a decent-size boot. The engine in the Sportage line-up comes in 1.6-liter and 2-liter petrol variants and the 1.7-liter and 2-liter diesel variants. The low-powered engines have been combined with the Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG) stop-start system. The high-powered engines come with a four-wheel drive. Further, you can pair any of the engine options with an automatic transmission. The Sportage Hybrid comes with key safety technology like forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Ford Expedition: The largest Ford SUV, the Expedition, has been in production since 1996. The vehicle offers 3-row seating for standard or extended-length Max body styles. While the space is a huge selling point, the Expedition also comes with new technology, self-driving capability, and big infotainment displays. The vehicle’s construction allows it to move in a refined way, considering its size and body-on-frame construction. The overall ride is smooth and quiet, with accurate steering. Further advantages include ample air vents, USB ports, and cup holders. Additionally, Ford Expedition comes with handy driver assistance technology and safety features like front automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid: The Toyota RAV4 is the SUV that led to the obsession with crossover models you can observe today. It introduced the concept of car/SUV part sharing to the world. The car became highly successful and is still considered among the highest-selling SUVs in the world. This stems from perfect customer satisfaction over the years. The unique selling points of the vehicle include fuel efficiency, a somewhat eccentric design, and bulletproof engines. The engines come in capacities of 1.8, 2.0, and 2.4 liters that can generate 125, 150, and 160 horsepower, respectively. Additional considerations Features other than safety and space can be overlooked when choosing a family car, but they can significantly enhance daily functioning and convenience. Here, handy features like USB ports, connectivity, blind spot detectors, and parking cameras can enhance the safety and utility of the vehicle. Some other important features to look for are favorable price points, lift-over height (how high you have to lift to load luggage), H-Point (driver’s seat height), outward visibility, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings. EPA ratings indicate a vehicle’s fuel efficiency on the highway and city roads. These are just a few aspects that will help you choose the most appropriate vehicle for your family.
  • Finding most reliable electric ranges
    Electric appliances are a necessity rather than desire. It is next to impossible to lead a smooth life without using a single electrical equipment. Be it a coffee-maker that offers a good morning coffee, a washing machine to ease the load of washing clothes, electrical appliances have penetrated our daily life to a great extent. The electric ranges cover every corner of your house, be it the kitchen, the living room, the dining room or the bedroom; they are a part of every room in your house. No matter how many appliances you use to simplify life and save time, are you sure that the products that you purchase are reliable and save you on investment and energy? Buying electric ranges can be overwhelming when you are not sure about its reliability. Here are some tips to buy the most reliable electric ranges. Brand is everything The brand name matters. A brand reaches its position through good reviews and customer satisfaction. Customer loyalty means that the brand has been able to offer good service and can be recommended for its reliability over time. Reviews A good review will tell you that a product has been well received. If an electric appliance can cater to the requirements of its users, caused no trouble over an extended period, it is likely to receive good reviews from its loyal users. It is only a smart approach to rely on such reviews available on e-commerce portals or magazines. Stick to what you know best Sometimes your own experience cannot beat any other suggestions or reviews. If you have used a particular brand of electric ranges, and are satisfied with their services, then you should certainly go with that particular brand. Even though the tips here will help you to find the most reliable electric appliances, you must also understand that quality and durability of such goods are based completely on luck. At times, the most trustworthy brand and the right product may fail to serve you due to technical glitches. These are one-off cases and should not affect reliability. It is important to go with your gut feeling while buying the right appliances for your kitchen.
  • Hyundai Sonata- The perfect midsize 2016 luxury sedan
    2016 Hyundai Sonata is powered by 2.4 liters four-cylinder with85-horsepower engine. It is convenient for performing everyday tasks with ease. It is an ace performer when it comes to ride and space. It has two turbocharged engines; one generates 177 horsepower, while the other produces 245 horsepower. Its engine is linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission that is standard. The base model of Sonata gives an estimated mileage of 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. This amount of mileage is just perfect for a car in a mid-size category. The sedan is best known for its smooth and poised rise. The driving experience It has one of the quietest cabins and is a much-improved model from its Hyundai predecessor. It drives great on the highway and has a solid composure in its corners. It offers incredible passenger comfort up front. It has large supportive seats. Though the backseat might appear a little low, the interior is splendid! It has a conservative design and quality material. The seats are leather-trimmed, heated and comfortable and are available at the lowest cost than in this category. Technical Specifications The 2016 Hyundai Sonata make use of modern technology. Its technology content can give competition to Malibu for its multimedia option. It has a 7-inches screen. It is one of the two cars that have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Additional features It has a smart truck that is hands-free, vast and optional. If you like shopping grocery, then it is your best friend. On sensing the key nearby, the trunk opens-up automatically. Its audio controls and dashboard climate are easy to use. The 16.3-cubic foot truck gives Sonata more storage space over its competitors. Two sides of the same coin Though the Hyundai Sonata is equipped with the latest features, it does have certain shortcomings in the safety feature department. Safety features such as sport warming systems, forward collision, and lane departure are missing in this 1026 Hyundai model. It is short of power. Its steering raise issues when driving at high speed on the highway. In all, 2016 Hyundai Sonata is one of the few midsize sedans that have most of its things on the right track. It is quite spacious and comfortable. Its strong engine is a delight to car lovers. Sonata has outclassed most midsize cars.